From the monthly archives:

December 2010

Tooth Enamel Erosion

December 30, 2010

Do you have sensitive teeth? The cause could be thin tooth enamel.
Some people are born with genes that produce thinner-than-average tooth enamel, but dental erosion from what we consume is common. The only natural substance harder than tooth enamel is diamond, but acid can wear down tooth enamel.
The acids we eat come from many sources, [...]

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Electric Toothbrush vs Traditional Toothbrush

December 29, 2010

I’m often asked whether an electric toothbrush is better than a manual, old-fashioned toothbrush. The truth is, both types of brushes offer about the same results. Studies show, people who use an electric toothbrush tend to brush longer, so their teeth get cleaner. This has nothing to do with how the toothbrush is made, it [...]

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What Causes Loose Teeth?

December 28, 2010

Aside from injury to the mouth, loose teeth may be caused by advanced gum disease, also called periodontal disease.
Periodontics is the medical treatment of
structures that support teeth: gums and jawbone.
Each of our teeth resides in a socket in the jaw. A tooth’s root extends into the socket beneath gum tissue, and a tooth’s crown [...]

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When Mouth Sores Won’t Heal

December 27, 2010

Mouth sores, whether they’re abrasions or what we call cold sores, fever blisters, or canker sores (which are often apthous ulcers), can be quite painful. Rinsing the mouth with salt water will help dry out the sore and promote healing. Some over-the-counter medications may also be beneficial. But what if a mouth sore sticks around [...]

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‘Twas the Night Before Christmas…

December 24, 2010

A Visit From St. Nicholas, more commonly known as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, has been a classic since its first appearance in the Troy Sentinel in 1823. Read it to your family tonight!
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by [...]

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If You Haven’t Been Diagnosed, Take the Diabetes Risk Test

December 20, 2010

I’m Dr. Charles Martin of the Richmond Smile Center. For years, I’ve been an advocate of monitoring the oral health of diabetic patients. I’ve even written books and articles on the subject.
You could have diabetes and not even know it. In fact, nearly a third of those who have diabetes living in the United States [...]

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Richmond Smile Center Testimonial: Bea Parrish

December 20, 2010

When Bea Parrish came to our offices, she knew a bit about us. Her sister had been a patient and had several implants done in our office. Bea was impressed with her success and came to have me take a look at her teeth.
“My sister thought Dr. Martin should look at me because I had [...]

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The Richmond Smile Center

December 20, 2010

Welcome to the Richmond Smile Center blog. I’m Dr. Charles Martin, an experienced diagnostician and general, implant, cosmetic, and sedation dentist. My dental offices in Richmond were designed for your comfort, with the goal to be opposite of what you expect with most dental offices. It has an Internet café, a patient theater, and a [...]

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What Will Dentistry Be Like in 20 Years?

December 20, 2010

For one, I think we’re going to find prevention will be even more important, not only to the mouth, but to total body health. And I think that we’re going to be able to detect problems earlier, which will help with both oral conditions and full systemic health.
We now know that the chronic low-grade infections [...]

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Mix up some holiday cheer this season!

December 19, 2010

Eggnog has been around for a long time. Captain John Smith reported that eggnog was consumed in 1607 in Jamestown, Virginia.
‘Nog’ is an English word for strong ale, and eggnog was originally made with ale.  Eggnog is descended from the English drink ‘posset’ or ’sack posset’, which was a hot drink made with [...]

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